“Life is like a flower, it grows into something beautiful. ~ Donnajo Calhoun This is a type of Protea, native to South Africa and is also very common here in Melbourne, Australia. I am linking this to Floral Friday and for FOTD.
Simple Doors in Osaka
Osaka may be bustling, yet these doors whisper simplicity and serenity. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Hi, my name is Teresa
I saw this prompt and became curious. I just know that my name came from St Therese of Avila, my patron saint. She is remembered not only for her holiness, but for her belief that prayer is a conversation between friends—simple, sincere, and deeply human. So my curiosity brought me to AI and asked: Write…
Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel
Inspired by Leanne’s Monochrome Madness Theme of Carousel, this image was captured while wandering the streets of Paris. Jack and I were walking from the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, heading towards where the Bateaux-Mouches boats were docked, an easy half-hour stroll. We boarded the river cruise at sunset and that’s when the city softened…
Tuesday Streetart: Lawry Streetart – 114
Just across the street from where we had dinner before Tim and Leigh headed home, I came across these in Lawry Street. Two large murals stand opposite each other, quietly transforming a corner of Northcote into an open-air gallery.
In North Melbourne
On the corner of Victoria Street and Curzon Street sits Our Community House, a building with simple rectangular windows on both sides. At its very centre is a striking work by Melbourne-based artist Baby Guerrilla: a floating woman, gently suspended in space, holding what appears to be a heart-shaped balloon. I am linking this to…
Minimalism in Black & White
Black and white is where minimalism feels most at home. Stripped of colour, there is no distraction. A single subject can speak louder than a crowded scene, inviting the eye to see less—which sometimes is all that matters. (As suggested by my fellow bloggers, Ritva and Sarah, this image may work better using the rule…
Hospital Seats
Visited a dear friend at Casey Hospital in Berwick. She’s more like family to us, and after suffering two heart attacks in just two weeks, our hearts are with her. Wishing her a full and gentle recovery so we can get back to our day trips together soon. ❤️ Inside and outside the hospital are…
Travel Diary in Osaka Castle – Day 14
There’s a charming little tourist train, often called the Osaka Castle Park Train, which loops around the castle grounds. It is an easy way to see the sights and save on walking. Here are some images from around the castle, with the added bonus of autumn colours. Food stalls were waiting for us when we…
Floral Friday – 24
“To me, flowers are happiness.“ – Stefano Gabbana Taken at my Sister- in- Law’s centre table. I am linking this to Floral Friday and for FOTD
Shop doors in Shinsekai
This is in Osaka’s nostalgic Shinsekai district where there are rows of small shopfronts. Many open into modest eateries selling Osaka favourites, souvenirs, and affordable meals, giving the street its lively, old-fashioned charm. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Monochrome Moments at Place du Tertre
Visiting local markets is one of my favourite things to do when travelling. And not to be missed is Place du Tertre, the famous artists’ square in the heart of Montmartre, Paris which is known for its lively atmosphere. Montmartre is extra special—not only for its food and colourful stalls, but for the artists who…
Tuesday Streetart: Windows in Berlin – 113
You probably know by now that I love sharing photos my kids send me from their adventures. Here are Tim’s phone snaps, hope you enjoy them! Some photos of murals appropriately painted on windows of tall buildings. I am linking this to this week’s Monday Window Challenge.
What’s around the corner?
Nothing spectacular to photograph today—no grand buildings or perfect shots. Just life, happening around the corner. Tim and Leigh headed off this morning, but we squeezed in brunch at Project 281 Coffee Roasters in Brunswick before saying goodbye. This is the front room. And around the corner are these doors with murals. A fuchsia flower…
Ice Cream, Smoothies, Juice & Chairs
Summer is a time for Ice Cream, Smoothies & Juice while sitting on Beach Chairs in Sorrento, Victoria. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday
Travel Diary in Katsuo-ji Temple – Day 13
I’d seen Katsuo-ji Temple on Instagram and had been really excited to visit. We left at 9am, taking the train and then a bus, and the hour journey itself already felt like part of the adventure. This is the Katsuo-ji Temple in Mino, Osaka, and we knew we had arrived the moment we saw tiny…
Floral Friday – 23
A photo taken in Sassafras, Victoria on 20 November 2020 I am linking this to Floral Friday Challenge
Kyoto Doors
Kyoto doors, much like the city itself, feel quiet, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in tradition. In general, they are simple and understated rather than grand. Many are made of wood that has been left to age naturally, so you’ll often see soft browns, greys, and weathered textures that tell a story of time passing. The…
Tuesday Streetart: The Wanderers’ Mural – 112
These are the windows of the Wanderers’ mural on High St, Thornbury. Artwork is by Tom Civil painted in 2014. I am linking this to Monday Window Challenge
Travel Diary in Namba – Day 12
Today we’re exploring the Namba area. Our first stop is Yasaka Shrine, famous for its giant lion head that looks both fierce and fascinating, and is said to swallow bad luck and bring good fortune. So many quirky shops around the Namba area. Walked all the way to Dotonbori which is a vibrant district in…
Past or Future?
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why? I don’t usually answer prompts. Words don’t always come easily to me, and what I feel is often clearer in photos than in sentences. But this prompt kept appearing on my screen, so here I am… I believe that in a perfect…
My Favourites from 2025
This week’s challenge is My Favourites from 2025. I went back through photos from two of my travel destinations and chose a few favourites. Some may be familiar, but they’re images that still hold meaning for me and bring back moments I loved. For the South Island of New Zealand, choosing a favourite wasn’t easy….
Travel Diary in Nakazakicho & Umeda – Day 11
It was still a tour day in Osaka for those who booked the optional excursions, but Jack and I decided to explore on our own. Took the train to Nakazakicho. But first Brunch… I’d read about this place called Nakazakicho, Osaka’s bohemian soul. It is just the place for me…narrow lanes, old wooden houses turned…
My 2025 Travels in Pen & Ink
I enjoy urban sketching—plein air sketching, sketching on location, or whatever you may want to call it. I may not be very good at it but I find it incredibly relaxing. Seeing my travels captured in watercolour and pen is the best way for me to keep those memories alive. Here are some of the…
Window & Mural in Thornbury
This mural was painted by LucyLucy on the wall of Women’s Health in the North in Thornbury. It shows two women and the words Voice, Choice, Power. The message is about women having the power to make their own life choices. I love the vibrant colours that were used. I am linking this to Ludwig’s…
Travel Diary in Nara – Day 10
From Kyoto, we headed to Fushimi Inari … and as expected, it was incredibly busy. We wandered around, browsing here and there, taking in the energy of the place, and even found time to try the famous 10-yen coin–shaped, custard-filled pancake, which was a fun (and sweet) little treat along the way. Fushimi Inari is…
Tavel Diary in Miyama & Kinkaku-ji – Day 9
It was our free day on the tour, so I asked the hotel if they had any trips to the Golden Pavilion. They said the shuttle wasn’t direct and would pass by Niiyama, which meant the journey would take a bit longer. Oh well — it was a free shuttle, so we figured, why not?…
That “Money Shot” Family Christmas
Trying to get that perfect “money shot” with family and kids is an adventure in itself. Blinks, giggles, distractions everywhere… but somehow, those imperfect moments become the best CLICK: Oooops no one’s ready! CLICK: Tita Mari and Marion not looking at the camera. CLICK: Well everybody looks happy here, but Remi got hungry and a…
Travel Diary Kyoto – Day 8 (Part 2)
Jack and I continued our walk and reached the Kamo River. The Kamo River (鴨川, Kamo-gawa), runs through Kyoto and is a popular place for locals and visitors to wander, sit by the water, and enjoy a slower pace of the city. Enjoyed a lovely lunch overlooking the Kamo River. Honestly, it doesn’t get much…
Best Christmas Surprise Ever!
I had the surprise of my life this morning while Jack and I were having Brunch with Pat. Out of nowhere, someone tapped me on the shoulder … and boom … it was my son Tim! I was still talking about how we hadn’t planned our Manila trip yet because he’d been so busy with…